Dual-Modality Laser Optoacoustic Ultrasonic Imaging System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current biomedical imaging technologies lack a comprehensive system capable of providing high-resolution, three-dimensional anatomical and functional information simultaneously, particularly for applications like breast cancer detection, where existing methods are limited in sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy, and fail to effectively monitor therapeutic interventions.
Innovation Solution
A dual-modality imaging system combining laser ultrasonic and laser optoacoustic tomography, which uses short pulses of optical energy to generate ultrasonic waves and detect their propagation, allowing for the creation of detailed, coregistered anatomical and functional images through mathematical algorithms and signal processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional imaging systems are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and information completeness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines laser ultrasonic tomography and laser optoacoustic tomography into a single integrated imaging system. The laser ultrasonic component provides anatomical structure information through mechanical wave propagation, while the laser optoacoustic component provides molecular composition information through optical absorption. By merging these two modalities into one system with shared laser source and detection infrastructure, the patent achieves comprehensive high-resolution imaging while managing system complexity through component integration.
2Measurement precision
If comprehensive anatomical and functional information is provided, then measurement precision improves, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous scanning mechanisms for both laser ultrasonic and laser optoacoustic measurements. The system continuously sweeps the laser beam across the tissue sample while simultaneously detecting signals from multiple photodetectors arranged in arrays. This continuous acquisition approach allows both anatomical and functional data to be collected in an overlapping time window, enabling real-time coregistration without significant time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary calibration and positioning of the laser beam path and detector arrays before actual imaging begins. The system pre-aligns the optical paths for both ultrasonic and optoacoustic modalities, and pre-positions the detectors to optimize signal collection geometry. This preliminary setup minimizes adjustment time during actual imaging and enables rapid sequential or simultaneous acquisition of comprehensive data.
3Measurement precision
If laser ultrasonic and laser optoacoustic tomography are combined, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dual-function laser source that can operate in two modes: generating mechanical vibrations for ultrasonic imaging and generating optical pulses for optoacoustic imaging. The same laser beam path and scanning mechanism serve both modalities, and the detector arrays are designed to capture signals from both ultrasonic wave propagation and optical absorption events. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each modality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a coupling medium that facilitates both ultrasonic wave transmission and optical energy delivery. This intermediary substance allows the laser-generated ultrasonic waves and optoacoustic signals to propagate efficiently from the tissue sample to the detectors. The coupling medium acts as a bridge that enables both modalities to share common detection infrastructure while maintaining signal integrity for each imaging type.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This system provides high-resolution, three-dimensional images of anatomical structures and molecular compositions, enhancing diagnostic accuracy and monitoring capabilities, enabling effective detection and characterization of breast cancer and other diseases, with improved sensitivity and specificity.
Implementation Method 1
delivering short pulses of optical energy to generate ultrasonic waves
Implementation Method 2
array of wide-band ultrasonic transducers that convert ultrasonic pulses into electronic signals
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are the systems, methods, components for a three-dimensional tomography system. The system is a dual-modality imaging system that incorporates a laser ultrasonic system and a laser optoacoustic system. The dual-modality imaging system generates tomographic images of a volume of interest in a subject body based on speed of sound, ultrasound attenuation and/or ultrasound backscattering and for generating optoacoustic tomographic images of distribution of the optical absorption coefficient in the subject body based on absorbed optical energy density or various quantitative parameters derivable therefrom. Also provided is a method for increasing contrast, resolution and accuracy of quantitative information obtained within a subject utilizing the dual-modality imaging system. The method comprises producing an image of an outline boundary of a volume of interest and generating spatially or temporally coregistered images based on speed of sound and/or ultrasonic attenuation and on absorbed optical energy within the outlined volume.